The right to select LSU's Ben Simmons is at stake at the 2016 NBA Draft Lottery. (Photo : Getty Images/Mike Stobe)
A month from now, a new breed of NBA talents will be making their way to the league as they climb the ladder to basketball superstardom. LSU's Ben Simmons is projected to go first in this year's draft but has declared he will not be participating in the NBA draft combine happening on May 11 to 15.
Although some may think Simmons is trying to avoid getting his weaknesses exposed causing him to slide down in the draft, this has been a trend for the past few years, USA Today reported. Apparently, top pick Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker missed the event in 2014 and yet ended up first and second in the draft, respectively.
The following year, rookies Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor also decided to forego the process and still ended up first and third. Looking at how each of these prospects have fared so far in their young NBA careers, it may be concluded that Simmons' draft stock will likely not be affected by his absence.
Looking at the projected top five picks, it seems like Simmons will be the only one missing the event as Brandon Ingram, Buddy Hield, Jamal Murray and Kris Dunn will be able to attend. The event though, is a good venue for scouts to analyze not only a player's game, but also his attitude and work ethic, the publication added.
As of this writing, Simmons is projected to be drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers per NBA Draft 2016, who finished with the worst record in the league with a 10-72 record. The Sixers have a 25 percent chance to land the first overall pick in the draft.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers finished with the second worst record with a 17-65 record and is expected to add another young prospect to their already promising core of D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson. Duke's Brandon Ingram is expected to go second after Simmons and should he be drafted by the Lakers, he will be filling a much-needed spot in the roster.
Here is an in-depth scouting report on Simmons' game per Draft Express.
